CHP arrives in force to clear bypass protesters

Just before 7 a.m. Thursday morning, a large contingent of officers from the California Highway Patrol deployed to the area along the southern end of the proposed Highway 101 bypass around Willits. Groups of officers set up a road block on East Hill Road and took down the protest signage on Highway 101 next to the Warbler tree-sit. Another group deployed along with construction workers and stood ready to remove anyone attempting to stop work.

Protesters in the construction zone were told they were trespassing and provided an opportunity to leave before being arrested.

The CHP had arrested seven protesters for trespassing on state property by noon. Officers followed their script throughout the morning, asking those in the way to leave the area. If that was not effective, they then read the person a formal directive. Those not interested in being arrested took the hint and moved aside. Those arrested were all transported to Mendocino County Jail for processing.

Throughout the morning, fence construction contractors were removing brush and installing stakes for the fencing along the south end of the bypass in the same area which started and stopped last week. Most of the arrests happened along this route. By noon, the contractor had progressed to installing panels of fencing in the disputed area.

The number of CHP officers is unprecedented for the Willits area. Most of the CHP officers were brought in from posts around the state to supplement the local contingent, according to a CHP spokesman.

Another tree-sitter has set up camp in a tree more directly in the path of the future bypass clearing. His name was not immediately available.

The early hour and the overwhelming numbers of officers proved too much for the protesters, who tried to arrive at the protest sites in small groups. While some protesters were able to filter in through back ways into the construction zone, there was little opportunity for them to coalesce into a strong show of support in the face of such an overpowering display of force.

Naomi Wagner of Earth First! insists CalTrans does not have the proper approvals to do the work it currently has underway.

CalTrans Director Malcomb Daugherty has sent a letter responding to questions posed earlier this month by state Senator Noreen Evans. Evans questioned why CalTrans had seemingly failed to seriously consider a more modest two-lane bypass alternative.

Daugherty's three-page letter reiterates CalTrans views it has done its due diligence in reviewing 30 different alternatives for the project while soliciting input from large segments of the community. He says the bypass project remains a two-phase project with the first being a two-lane first step, but that CalTrans remains committed to the longer term need for a four-lane final solution.

Daugherty listed amongst the supporters the planning agencies from Mendocino, Humboldt and Del Norte counties; the Sherwood Valley Rancheria; and the North Coastal County Supervisors Association. He also listed the following state agencies as supporting the project: the California Department of Fish and Wildlife; and the North Coast Regional Water Quality Control Board. The federal agencies listed as being in support of the project included the US Fish and Wildlife Service, the National Marine Fisheries Service, the Federal Highway Administration, the US Army Corps of Engineers and the US Environmental Protection Agency.

Daugherty also says the support within the community is not unanimous.

Tree Spirit Project targets Willits for a nude-in.

The True Spirit Project has planned a nude tree-hugging photo shoot in the area of the Willits bypass on Saturday. The precise time and place for the gathering remains a secret.

The event is being organized by photographer Jack Gescheidt, who has gained a reputation for melding nude forms with natural scenes.